The Council of Agriculture says that customs brokers, express delivery services, and e-commerce firms must declare the contents of packages they are handling. On Wednesday, the council warned that companies that fail to do so or face a fine up to NT$150,000 (US$5,111).
The council issued its warning after nine Taiwanese people received unsolicited packages of soil and seeds from China. The council has destroyed the packages, but Taiwanese authorities remain wary.
The council says these packages have left it concerned for Taiwan’s national security. It is warning people who receive similar packages to avoid throwing them out, because soil can contain fungi and insects that could harm Taiwan’s local ecosystems. Because of this, it is illegal to import soil and seeds under the Plant Protection and Quarantine Act.
Authorities are looking into whether local customs brokers or express delivery services may have violated the Act by bringing in the packages of soil and seeds without declaring their contents.
The council also warns that citizens who fail to report packages of soil or seed from abroad to authorities will face fines as well. These may reach NT$150,000 (US$5,111).